Rio 2016

Rio’s new bus transit system opens ahead of 2016 Games

A new bus transit system has opened in Rio de Janeiro, as the Brazilian city continues its preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The eagerly anticipated Transcarioca Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) expressway features dedicated lanes for buses and connects Rio’s international airport with Barra da Tijuca, the main Games competition zone.

It is estimated that the new expressway will reduce previous journey times by around 60%, with approximately 320,000 people set to travel along the 39-kilometre route each day.

More than 120 articulated buses, each capable of carrying 180 passengers, will operate on the BRT, which passes through 47 bus stations in 27 of the city’s neighbourhoods.

The expressway – which features 10 viaducts, nine bridges and three underpasses – began operating on Monday 2 June, ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is being held in Brazil from 12 June until 13 July.

Meanwhile, Rio has also announced the result of the tender for the construction and renovation of Olympic facilities in the Northern Region of the Deodoro Sports Complex.